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The hidden dangers of ectopic pregnancy: Do you know how many women are unaware of early symptoms?
Every year, thousands of women face potential health risks due to ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy complication in which the fertilized egg abnormally attaches to a place outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes. Although typical symptoms include abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, reports indicate that up to 10% of patients with ectopic pregnancy will not experience any symptoms, and up to one-third of patients will have no obvious symptoms on medical examination. This phenomenon makes us wonder, when do some women become aware of this hidden health crisis?
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy have low specificity and are similar to other gynecological or gastrointestinal diseases, which may lead to multiple misdiagnoses.
An ectopic pregnancy may manifest in a variety of ways, including acute abdominal pain or persistent lower abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the shoulder, especially if bleeding occurs within the abdominal cavity. If severe bleeding occurs, patients may experience critical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, syncope, or shock. Although this type of pregnancy normally affects less than 2% of pregnancies worldwide each year, its incidence is significantly higher in women associated with certain risk factors, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, smoking and endometriosis. According to statistics, the average risk of ectopic pregnancy is 11 to 20 per 1,000 live births, and the incidence rate is as high as 4% in women using assisted reproductive technology.
About 90% of ectopic pregnancies are located in the fallopian tubes, called fallopian tube pregnancies, but they can also occur in other locations such as the cervix, ovaries, or abdomen.
Diagnosis and Identification
Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy usually relies on blood tests and ultrasound. Doctors may need to perform multiple tests to confirm the diagnosis. Women who experience abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding and a positive pregnancy test should consider the possibility of ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasound examination can effectively diagnose, especially if there is a "fetal mass signal" or a gestational sac without endometrium.
An "endometrial gestational sac" on ultrasound may confirm an ectopic pregnancy, while the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity strongly indicates the presence of internal bleeding.
Potential complications
The most common complication of ectopic pregnancy is rupture, leading to internal bleeding, which may further lead to hypovolemic shock. If a woman has experienced an ectopic pregnancy, the risk of future pregnancies will be significantly increased. Even if the damaged fallopian tube is removed, a woman may still become pregnant; if both fallopian tubes are removed, assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization need to be considered.
Preventive measures
An effective way to prevent ectopic pregnancy is to reduce its risk factors, including screening and treatment to avoid the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Experts point out that paying attention to gynecological health examinations and early identification of potential risks can significantly reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment methods
For confirmed ectopic pregnancy, standard treatment options include surgical removal of the embryo or the entire fallopian tube. While medications such as methotrexate can be effective in some cases, once bleeding or vital signs are unstable, surgery is often recommended, either as a closed laparoscopic or large-incision laparotomy. Treatment significantly reduces maternal risk of morbidity and mortality.
Thinking and the future
Given the potential risks, diagnostic challenges, and impact of ectopic pregnancy on women's fertility, it is important that women are aware of and aware of the hidden aspects of this health problem. Education and awareness-raising will be key to preventing many future cases. Do we know enough about the potential risks and signs of ectopic pregnancy to avoid neglecting our own health?
